Mechanism and method for managing data storage

Abstract

Described are techniques and mechanisms for media data storage management. Briefly stated, a media control component monitors the usage patterns of media files on a local device. Any media files whose usage pattern falls below a given threshold is identified as a trim candidate. The media control component trims those trim candidates by eliminating data (content) from the media files. The data is eliminated from the latter portion of the media file so that the trimmed media file will continue to render properly when initially launched. If the trimmed media file is launched, the media control component retrieves the eliminated data from a content server on which is stored a library of media files.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates generally to the field of data storage, and more particularly to data storage on mobile devices.[0002]Digital multimedia is growing at an enormous rate. More and more people are converting their personal media libraries to digital media. In addition, many consumers now purchase music and other media in digital format originally, eliminating the conversion process. Digital media has the benefit of being very portable. Many handheld computing devices can store digital media files to be played while the user is mobile, such as while exercising, driving, flying, or otherwise on the move.[0003]Because of the convenience, many users desire to keep as much of their digital media libraries on their portable devices as possible. However, digital media files consume a relatively large amount of storage space, and computing devices generally have a limited storage capacity, especially mobile devices. So users must often settle for having l...

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